With over 40 years of experience in special education, the Menta approach has helped form an educational philosophy that emphasizes personalization, preparation for life, and supports for success. These three ideas serve as the foundation for all student engagement:
- Personalization: The programs create a personalized system of education that engages and motivates all students, regardless of his or her circumstances. Using a data-driven framework to set goals and assess progress ensures all students receive the academic and developmental supports specific to their situations that will help them succeed.
- Preparation for Life: The goal is to prepare each student for life beyond school by ensuring readiness for post-secondary education, meaningful employment, and engaged citizenship. Key to achieving this goal is the use of performance-based learning strategies that place all students at the center of the learning process, enabling them to demonstrate mastery based on high, clear, and commonly held expectations. The programs also emphasize real world learning, providing constructive learning experiences in all aspects of students’ lives. The organization believes in the power of authentic student voice, which is the deep engagement of students owning their individual learning as well as shaping the nature of the education experience among their peers.
- Supports for Success: All Menta staff members understand that education requires a focus on the whole child and not on academic achievement alone. The programs implement a comprehensive system of learning supports that address social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development along a continuum of services. The success of each student also includes reintegration to the student’s home school, high school graduation, college credit articulation, and preparedness for post-secondary opportunities.